Nickledeon Resort in the Riviera Maya
Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom International Media Networks have confirmed that a second Nickelodeon-
themed resort is in the works in Mexico. Ground has been broken on Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya and the property is slated to open in December 2017. The property will boast plenty of swim-up and infinity suites featuring pools on a private balcony or terrace space as well as spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. For younger guests, the resort will house Nickelodeon Place, which will include a kid’s club, Character Central for meet and greets and a kid’s spa, among other features. The property will also feature Studio Nick, a theater that serves as the setting for a variety of immersive entertainment experiences. There will be half of a dozen restaurants including two oceanfront eateries and even a food truck where you can eat outside picnic-style! A majority of the resort’s organic produce will be sourced from their greenhouse located next door. Additionally, Nickelodeon Spa-ahh will beckon with relaxation. Reservations will be accepted early next year. If you can’t wait for such an experience, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is opening this June 11!
Children Free at AMResorts
Two children stay and eat free with two paying adults at Dreams, Now and Sunscape Resorts & Spas from May
1 to December 22, 2016 and again from August 19-December 22, 2017 when booked by May 31. Children must stay in the same room as parents. Note that this offer can be combined with other applicable discounts or offers and some blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Choose from a wide variety of family-friendly beach resorts in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun/Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Huatulco), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana and La Romana), Costa Rica (Guanacaste), Curacao and Jamaica (Montego Bay). In 2018, new and all-inclusive Dreams Resorts will be opening up in Puerto Rico and Panama.
Grenada Luxury for Families
The Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa in Grenada has a special summer package for families. The Family Escape provides a second suite for children for half off, free dinner for children each night, one family lunch and a gift for your children on arrival with a minimum 4-night stay. Or you can choose a resort credit (to use at the spa or restaurants) worth up to $1000 instead. Offers are not combineable. Calabash is an upscale, intimate and beachfront resort with 30 suites and 2 to 5-bedroom Estate Homes. The property even has a special Kids Concierge. The staff can put together a variety of activities including kids cooking classes, sailing or stand-up paddle board lessons, tennis lessons, movies nights, crafts and campfires. The resort also gives back to the local community by supporting local children’s homes. Their Pack for a Purposes encourages guests to bring much needed supplies for donation.
Andaz Maui Villas
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort recently introduced three new oceanfront residential-style villas ideal for family 
getaways. The spacious villas include such modern touches as private lanais, full kitchens and baths with ocean views. Each villa has custom-made furniture, a private outdoor plunge pool or hot tub, Viking range barbecue grills, and lounge areas accented with ottomans and platform beds. Villa reservations start at $1,750 a night and are inclusive of round-trip airport transfers or valet parking for one vehicle for a guest’s duration of stay; daily breakfast in Ka’ana Kitchen; up to $300 in resort credits; free internet, complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages and access to the activities and amenities available at the resort. Villa guests are also connected with a personal VIP concierge prior to arrival who can arrange a custom itinerary including everything from coordinating a private Chef’s dinner or mixology class on the lanai to stocking the refrigerator upon check-in, arranging bespoke adventures around the island, and more.
Children Free in Barbados
Children 12 and under stay and eat for free from April 18-October 31 at Cobbler’s Cove, a Relais & Chateau property located on the west coast of Barbados. The intimate beachfront resort with 40 suites feels like an English country house with beautif
ul gardens and afternoon tea served daily. From their private beach your family can enjoy a nice variety of free motorized and non-motorized water sports (some include lessons) with good snorkeling just off shore. There is also free tennis, a spa, gym, yoga classes, weekly manager reception, free internet and a restaurant. Golf is available nearby as well as a Cricket Academy where children and teens can learn Barbados’ most popular sport. Off property you can swim with turtles, horseback ride, surf and more. Cobbler’s Cove also offers connecting suites and two bedroom suites (not on the kids’ free promo) and also has a package with all meals included. Just during the peak winter season, the resorts is open to guests over the age of 12.
Zika Updates
Information about Zika is constantly evolving and the CDC is now in Brazil doing an intensive study to find out if there is a link between the virus and birth defects. In the meantime, information is constantly developing. The best way to get the most updated information is at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/ that includes information about the disease, prevention, the areas with active Zika and more. Please contact your family physician to discuss the details.
Free Nights on Maui
The family owned and family-friendly Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui is offering you two free nights in 
their ocean view studios and oceanfront one bedroom suites when you stay 7 nights on various dates through 2016 (through April 23, May 5 to June 15, August 22 to October 28, November 16-30 and December 12-20). The 7th Heaven package includes no resort fees and kids stay, play and eat for free. The classic Hawaiian property also offers free parking, internet, seasonal children’s program, beach towels, coolers along with Hawaiian cultural activities and music. Other recreation includes an 18-hole putting green, gym, shuffleboard, 4 pools and hot tubs. There is also a restaurant, pool snack bar and special rates for golf at nearby Kapalua are also available.
Cap Juluca Villa Vacation
Enjoy complete privacy in luxury on Anguilla in one of Cap Juluca’s three, four or five bedroom villas with all the services of the resort in the privacy of your villa. Some villas also have their own pools. The resort’s Villa Vacation package includes seven nights in an ocean front villa; group welcome amenity and an individual amenity for each guest room; fresh tropical flowers in the living room; afternoon beach or pool service with iced towels, chilled water and sorbet; one group sailing lesson and one group snorkeling lesson; use of a private golf cart during your stay and transportation from St. Maarten via boat or plane depending on the size of your group. In addition children under 12 eat breakfast and lunch free in Blue.
Grand Velas Family Upgrades
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta has announced a variety of new child-friendly amenities. The spa has added facials and skin treatments for ages 16 and older in addition to services for babies! The Sunrise Massage, a 25-minute massage for $65, stimulates your baby’s senses and central nervous system to promote sensory and cognitive development. Designed for ages 1 to 3, the treatment encourages babies to differentiate textures and sounds to the music of Mozart. The resort also offers a Baby’s First Haircut Service that includes a certificate marking the occasion. It also has a Baby Concierge who can coordinate everything from arranging for a crib to providing traditional Mexican toys, baby floats and baby clothes. In addition, the hotel will prepare organic foods and beverages on request. The resort’s new teen club for ages 13-18 has a game room, complete with an X-Box Kinect, a pool table, an air hockey table, ping pong, foosball, karaoke and more. Adventurous teens can enjoy the new outdoor activities program, which includes kayak tours, snorkeling and other outdoor experiences. There is also a Chill Out zone, serving soft drinks and snacks.
Teen Celebrations at Beaches
Beaches Resorts is now offering a group promotion for teens who celebrate a special occasion at one of their resorts in Jamaica or the Turks and Caicos. Book a three-night minimum stay for an occasion such as a Sweet 16 or Quinceanera now through December 22, 2017 and receive exclusive promotions and upgrades. Benefits depend on the number of rooms booked and can include private group check-in, private receptions, group photo shoot, private group dinner and more. In addition, for each six or twelve packages booked, one room will be provided for free depending on travel dates. Choose from resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios, Jamaica as well as Providenciales on Turks and Caicos. All provide a wide array of recreation and amenities for all ages.
